Electrical appliance for producing oscillations or vibrations for laundry purposes

ABSTRACT

726,774. Washing-machines. BOSCH, GES., R. May 30, 1951 [Oct. 1, 1948 ; Oct. 1, 1948], No. 12654/51. Class 138 (2). [Also in Groups XXXV and XXXVIII] A washing-appliance, e.g. for immersion in a washing-boiler, consists of an electromagnetically-actuated diaphragm vibrator in which the movement of the diaphragm is abruptly limited by a stop and the electromagnet is enclosed in a water-tight casing sealed by the diaphragm and having means to prevent excessive pressure in the casing. When A.C. is passed through the coil 15, Fig. 9, the armature 12 secured to the diaphragm 10 hammers against the core 14. The water-tight casing 16 has apertures 430 covered by bellows 410 which permit expansion of the air within the casing. In modifications, the bellows are dispensed with and the casing 16 communicates through a tube 19 with either a large expansion chamber or a leaky non- return valve. In further modifications, two diaphragms 31, 32, Fig. 3, are driven by opposed electromagnets 35, 36 or the two diaphragms may be connected to the armature and core, respectively, of a single electromagnet. A resonating bar or disc may be secured to the diaphragm.

Dec. 30, 1952 K. VOLK ETAL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FOR PRODUCINGOSCILLATIONS2623376 0R VIBRATIONS FOR LAUNDRY PURPOSES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed July 21, 1949 Dec. 30, 1952 ETAL 2,623,376

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FOR PRODUCING OSCILLATIONS OR VIBRATIONS FORLAUNDRY PURPOSES Filed July 21, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I 340 V 1 1 Dec.30, 1952 KYVOLK ETAL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FOR PRODUCING OSCILLATIONS ORVIBRATIONS FOR LAUNDRY PURPOSES Filed July 21, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 5Patented Dec. 30, 1952 UNI-TED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCEFOR PRODUCING OSCILLATIONS on VIBRATIONS FOR LAUNDRY PURPOSES 22 Claims.(c1; 69-3) This invention relatesto electrical appliances for producingoscillations or vibrations for laundry purposes.

It has already been" proposed to clean material to be laundered orwashedespecially underwear, by rapidly vibrating or oscillating the"washing water, in which the material to be laundered is immersed, bymeans of a membrane or diaphragm which is immersed or plunged into thewater, with the object of'releasing and washing away particles of dirtor other foreign matter adhering to the material being laundered. In aknown washing device of this kind} the diaphragm is caused to vibraterapidly by meansof a small electric motor througha rod or bar to whichthe diaphragm is fitted. The disadvantages of this device consistinthefact thatrevolving parts requiring the attention'of an operator andsubject to wear and tear',-areprovided for translating a rotary movementinto the required oscillating or vibrating movement.

It is also known to useultrasouiid or supersonic waves for laundrypurposes. The production of such waves, however, re uires" devices whichare too cumbersomeand'expehsive for use in small laundryinstauaaonsrordo'mesuc'use.

According to the present invention, and in order to avoid the'disadvantages of the said known devices; an electro-ma'gn'etic drivingmeans is employed for exciting a vibrating or oscillating body, thevibrations o'r'oscillations of whichare transmitted to the washiiigli'qiiid'.

The invention is further described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings which illustrate by way of example eightembodimen-tsof theinvention, suitable for alternating ciirrent, and in which:

Fig. 1 is alongitudin'al section of the" first embodiment incorporatinga single electrb niagnet and a single diaphragm.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of a second. embodiment incorporating.two diaphragm's actuated by a singleelectro-magnet.

Fig. Bis a thirdexamplehaving two electromagnets and two*diaphragms-,-zalso'in longitudinal section.

Fig. 4 is a further-longitudinal section illustrating a fourthembodiment provided with' a har: monic wave exciter in the formmfianoscillating or vibrating. beam or a. corrugated circular" disc;

Fig. 5 isamodification'of' the'forni shown in Fig. 4.

Fig; 6 is a sectionaldiagram showinglan'appli ance according-to thisinventionfitted'in'ai laun dry container, such as a boiler.

Fig. '7 is a: fifth embodiment partly in longitudinal' section of anappliance having a device adapted to compensate or balance the pressuredifferences in the interior of the appliance.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section through apart of the appliance shownin'Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a sixth embodiment in longitudinal section; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section showing a modification of thisembodiment.-

Fig. 11 is' a" longitudinal section of a seventh embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an eighthembcdiment, also inlcn'gitudinal section;

In the appliance shown in Fig. 1, ii} designates a metaldiaphragm'inthe'form of a circular disc.

In the centre of the disc'is secured a bolt l i, with which a. laminatediron" body is firmly connected to constitute thearrriature E2 of anele'ctro-magnet it. A core M of the magnet with a coil I5, is secured toacasin'g ltyof the appliance. The diaphragm is is clamped betweentheedge of the casing i6 and a protective screen or lattice H. Thediaphragm thus tightly seals the casing aroLL-iditsperiphery. The beltII is carried at the end remote from the diaphragm in a' plate spring isclampedtothe base of the casing. A conduit or tube is is fitted to thecasing and is co-axial with bolt is and'so with the magnet. Said'tube itserves as the carrier of the appliance and alsof'or the passage of theelectricity supply flex to the coil of the magnet.

When the appliance is connectedwith'theelectricity supply mains and setin operation, the electro-ma'gnet periodically draws and releases itsarmature E2 in the rhythm orfrequency oi the alternating current to 'andfrom the core Such reciprocatory movement of the armature is transmittedto the diaphragm l0 and a vibration or oscillation correspondingto'twicethe mains frequency is consequently imparted to the diaphragm. The fullvibratory oi oscillatory movement which the diaphragm it" tends to coverwhen the armature I2 is actuated, is, however, not entirely utilisedoreXploited, the movement of the armature and-so the] diaphragm in adirection towards the magneto core being in fact, abruptly interrupteddue to the armature i2! impinging upon the magneto core is which thus.constitutes a'stop." This impinging action causes the diaphragm to bejarred; i; a; the shape of the vibration curve of'the diaphragm isinfluenced in such a waythat peak'or harmonic vibrations of very highfrequency having very sharp rise and 3 fall are superimposed upon thebasic vibration of the diaphragm.

The method of operation of the instrument or appliance when immersed inwater is such that the molecules of the liquid entering the casing I6via the screen or lattice IT and surrounding the diaphragm areaccelerated by the vibrations of the diaphragm. The greatly acceleratedwater particles are particularly suitable for and capable of removingparticles of dirt or other foreign matter, which have already beenloosened by the washing powder or other cleaning medium, from the fibreof the clothes 01' other material being laundered.

In the example shown in Fig. 2, two coaxially disposed diaphragms and 26are spaced apart and clamped or tensioned at opposite sides of a ring 21together with respective screens or protective lattices 28 and 29. Bothdiaphragms are firmly connected with the excitation means so that themagneto core I4 is firmly connected with the diaphragm 25 and thearmature [2 of the electro-magnet is firmly connected with the diaphragm26. The carrier tube I9 is inserted into an aperture 3!] in the ring 27and is secured therein.

The example in Fig. 3 differs from that of Fig. 2 in that two diaphragms3| and 32 ar connected with respective armatures 33, 34 of twoelectromagnets of which the respective cores 35 and 35 are secured on aplate or intermediate partition 38 firmly connected with and directingthe annular casing 31 of the appliance.

In the example shown in Fig. 4, an additional vibratory body in isdisposed on a bolt 39 which is secured to the diaphragm It and carriesthe armature l2. This additional vibratory body has its own frequency ofvibrations, which is substantially above that of the diaphragm Hi. Thevibratory body 40 suspended in the middle of the diaphragm is in theform of a beam which tapers towards its ends. It may also, however, beconstructed as a circular disc, which, as shown in Fig. 5, is providedwith annular corrugations. Such additional vibrating or oscillatingbodies are particularly suitable for superimposing heavy upper orharmonic vibrations upon the basic vibrations of the vibration system onthe impinging of said vibration system.

The appliance is very simple to use and may be operated as follows.After the hot, or preferably, boiling water, to which is added the usualwashing agents, and the laundry have been placed in the boiler (Fig. 6)and the appliance has been suspended in the boiler so that its entirecasing is submerged below the Water level, the electric alternatingcurrent is switched on to caus the appliance to operate. For adjustingthe depth to which the appliance is immersed, means such as anadjustable bearing ring 55 may be fitted to the carrier pipe I9 andwhich ring also serves to cover the aperture 51 in the lid '53 of thewash boiler, a fixing or clamp screw being carried by the ring to securesame in position. The appliance is preferably connected with the mainsupply through an electrical transformer which reduces the potential toa value which is not dangerous for contact with the body. An interrupterdevice of any suitable type may be built into the appliance and acondenser may also be provided if necessary so that the appliance mayalso be used on a direct current supply.

The vibrator or oscillation producer shown in Fig. '7 consists of ametal diaphragm It in the form of a circular disc which is clamped atits outer edge to the casing 16 and connected hermetically with thecasing by means of a packing ring I28. The laminated armature i 2 of theelectro-magnet I3 is fixed by means of the bolt l l to the diaphragm inthe centre thereof.

An aperture use for bolt H is hermetically sealed by a packing disciii]. The core it of the electro-magnet with the excitation coil 55 issecured to a strut or bridge 2i! fixed to the base of casing iii.

The tube or pipe 59 is inserted into the base of the casing and ispreferably securely welded thereto. A non-return valve 226 is providedat the free end of the pipe in order to prevent the admission of airfrom the atmosphere to th internal chamber or space of casing E8. Thevalve. which is shown in detail in Fig. 3, has a valve disc 239 formedwith a conical bearing surface 268 which normally rests upon acorrespondingly shaped seating surface formed at the end of pipe is andis pressed against this surface by a spring 250 which abuts against acap nut 236 screwed on to a threaded collar fixed to this end of thepipe, the cap nut being provided with an aperture 210 for the passage ofair. This arrangement ensures that theentire area enclosed by thediaphragm l0 and the casing IS with thepipe I9 is sealed against theadmission of atmospheric air.

A feed cable 280 for the excitation coil 55 extends within the pipe l9and passes out hermetically through a bore 290 formed in a nipple 3G8screwed into the side of pipe IS. A packing ring 5 5 El is locatedbetween the nipple and the pipe IS. The outer end of th nipple is formedwith a funnel-shaped seating surface 328 for a rubber sealing ring 338Which is pressed by means of a cap nut 34!] against the seating surfaceand the cable 280 passing through it.

When the appliance is used for instance in hot water, the air enclosedin the casing is considerably heated externally by the water surroundingthe casing and internally by the electrical losses of the drivingsystem, the pressure above atmospheric so produced opens the non-returnvalve against the action of spring 25%], thus compensating for thepressure difference in the casing relative to the atmosphere; Upon suchcompensation being effected, the valve is returned to its seat to sealthe interior of the appliance against the admission of air from theatmosphere.

Whilst the appliance remains in operation, no pressure difierences willoccur between the interior of the casing and the atmosphere which may besufiicient to disturb the desired operation. However, as soon as theappliance is further operated in cold water or is taken out of the hotwater, switched 01f, and placed in a cool place, it is possible, due tothe airtight casing, for a pressure below atmospheric to occur in theinterior of the casing which is sufiicient to prevent the correctfunctioning of the diaphragm, at least until the appliance has beensufficiently heated again. It has, however, been found that a casingpossessing the required airtight properties cannot be obtained by simplemeans, as, in the course of time, a pressure compensation or balancetakes place either by way of the cable cores or the cable passage, or byway of the valve.

The example shown in Fig. 9 omits the nonreturn valve of Figs. '7 and 8for solving the problem with which the invention is concerned, but othermeans is provided to ensure that the space enclosed by easing l6 anddiaphragm III will conform to any alteration of the air pressurecontained' therein, without the difference between the pressure in thecasing and the atmosphere thereby assuming such proportions likely tointerfere with the action of the appliance. For this purpose there arefitted, as for instance to the interior of the casing wall, resilient oryielding hollow bodies 400, which are formed in this example bybellow-like chambers MB of thin sheet metal which are sealed from theinterior of the casing by means of lids or covers 420, whilst the otherend of the bellow-like chambers are soldered or welded to the casingwall. The casing wall has holes 430 which communicate with the interiorsof the chambers.

In lieu of such sheet metal chambers, sack or bag-like bladders ofrubber or similar materials may also be used as shown in Fig. 10 inwhich a hollow body iillla or this kind is provided with a small pipepiece 400?) which passes through the opening 439 of the casing, wall.The pipe piece has a flange 4800 which is pressed against. the casingwall by means of a cap ring 400d screwed tothe casing.

On increase of air pressure within the casing, the bellows arecompressed and thus the interior space in the casing is correspondinglyenlarged. Thus the pressure above atmospheric. is limited to an extentwhich will not affect-the action of the vibration producer.

Fig. 11 illustrates a further example in which the electro-magneticdriving means 13 is hermetically enclosed-in a pot-like casing 4-50,which is hermetically sealed by a cover plate 46d. A central opening 419is formed in the cover plate through which a belt 480 extends from theinterior of the casing. In the annular space between the bolt and theinner edge of the cover plate form-ed by the central opening 410 isdisposed an elastic or resilient member such as a corrugated diaphragmor membrane 49!! which is hermetically connected with the bolt and withthe cover plate, for instance, by soldering. The flexible member is ofsufficient dimensions to permit the required longitudinal movement ofthe bolt on operation of the driving means.

The laminated armature body I2 of the electromagnet I3 is secured to thinternal end of the bolt, and a vibratory or oscillatory body in theform of the metal diaphragm I is secured to the external end. Thediaphragm is secured at its outer edge to a ring 500 which is firmlyconnected with the casing 459 by spaced struts or extensions H] whichmay be formed integral with casing 350.

In this example, the problem of the invention is solved by constructingthe surface at which a pressure above atmospheric arising in the casingmay engage on the moving parts of the driving means, as small aspossible. The entire engaging surface for the pressure force is thuscomposed of a small part of the diaphragm surface Mail and thecross-section area of the bolt .88.

A further example of the subject of the invention is shownsemi-diagrammatically in Fig. 12. In this case, the casing 520 enclosingthe electromagnet is is made as small as the dimensions of theelectro-magnet permit in order that the space enclosed by the casing andthe diaphragm ill may be as small as possible. As in the other examples,a pipe i9 is connected to the base of the casing for the passage of theelectricity supply lead 280 to the electro-magnet l3 of the appliance.The free end of the pipe I9 is in efiect widened to form a chamber 530which is located as remote as possible from casing 520' and is notimmersed in the hot water during operation of the appliance. As shown,the capacity of the chamber 530 greatly exceeds that of the casing 520in order to maintain a low gauge pressure occurring in the casing 520 onthe heating. of the air present therein. This is achieved, as previouslymentioned, by the fact that the casing 520, which is immersed in hotwater when the appliance is operated, has a much smaller air capacitythan the chamber 530 which thus remains considerably cooler than thecasing, the latter being situated outside the water container. When theair enclosed in the casing 52 0 expands owing to heating, it will mixwith the cooler air in the pipe l9 and in the chamber 530 and thetemperature rise relative to the. atmospheric air, corresponding. to thevolume and temperature conditions of the two masses of air, will beconsiderably less than the temperature rise which would obtain in theair in the. casing. 52.0 if the chamber 53!] were not present.

We claim:

1. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producingvibrations in liquids, a vibratory body in the form of a diaphragm ofstiiimaterial such as metal, and. electro-magnetic driving means forvibrating said body, said electro-magnctic means including a movablearmature connected to said diaphragm. and a stop for limiting themovement-of said armature.

2-. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producingvibrations in liquids, at least two vibratory bodies. in. the form ofdiaphragms, a single electro-magnetic driving device for actuating saiddiaphragms and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of:at least one of saiddiaphragms. in at least one direction.

3. In an electrical appliance according to claim 2, in which onediaphragm is connected with the armature and the other with the core ofthe electro-magnetic driving device.

4. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producingvibrations in liquids, a'drumshaped chamber, vibratory bodies in theform of diaphragms constituting opposed side walls of said chamber andthereby sealing. the same, an electro-magnetic driving means in saidchamber and located between said diaphragms for independent actuationthereof and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of atleast one of said diaphragms in at least. one direction.

5. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producingvibrations, in liquids, a vibratory body in the form of a diaphragm,electro-rnagnetic driving means for vibrating, said diaphragm, at leastone stop for abruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm in atleast one direction, at least one additional vibratory body also drivenby said driving means and having an independent frequency of vibrationsubstantially above that. of the diaphragm.

6. In an electrical appliance according to claim 5, an additionalvibratory body in the form of a beam, said beam being rigidly connectedwith the diaphragm} 7. In an electrical appliance according to claim 5an additional vibratory body in the form of a disc, said disc beingrigidly connected to the diaphragm.

8. In an electrical appliance according to claim 5, an additionalvibratory body in the form of a corrugated disc, said disc being rigidlyconnected to the diaphragm.

9. In an electrical appliance for producing vibrations in liquids, awater-tight casing sealed against the admission of air, a diaphragmcarried by said casing, electro-magnetic driving means enclosed in saidcasing forvibrating said diaphragm and means to relieve excess pressurein the casing arising from temperature changes and at least one stop forabruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm in at least onedirection.

10. In an electrical appliance, according to claim 9, a pipe connectedwith the casing, a nonreturn valve disposed adjacent the end of thepipe, an electricity supply lead for the electromagnetic means passinthrough the pipe and extending through the Wall thereof in an airtightmanner.

11.111 an electrical appliance according to claim 9, a diaphragm forminga part of the wall of the casing enclosing the electro-magnetic meansand at least another part of the wall being more flexible than thediaphragm.

12. An electrical apparatus for laundry purposes for producingvibrations in liquids, a vibratory body, electro-magnetic driving meansfor vibrating said body, including an electromagnet, an armature and amember connecting the armature with the vibratory body, a watertightcasing enclosing said electro-magnet and armature including a wallhaving an opening therein through which said connecting member passesand sealing means between said connecting member and said Wall and atleast one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm inat least one direction.

13. An electrical apparatus for laundry purposes for producingvibrations in liquids, a vibratory body, electro-magnetic driving meansfor vibrating said body, including an electro-magnet, an armature and amember connecting the armature With the vibratory body, a water-tightcasing enclosing said electro-magnet and armature including a Wallhaving an opening therein through which sai dconnecting member passesand a small diaphragm between said connecting member and said wallserving to seal the opening in said Wall and at least one stop forabruptly limiting the movements of said diaphragm in at least onedirection.

14. In an electrical appliance according to claim 9, an additionalchamber in communication with the casing enclosing the electro-magneticdriving means, said chamber being spaced apart from said casing so thatit remains outside the washing liquid when the appliance is immersedtherein during operation.

15. In an electrical appliance according to claim 9, an additionalchamber in communication with the casing enclosing an electro-magneticdriving means, said chamber being spaced apart from said casing so thatit remains outside the Washing liquid when the appliance is immersedtherein during operation, the air capacity of said additional chamberbeing at least twice that of the interior space of the casing enclosingthe electro-magnetic driving means.

16. In an electrical appliance for producing vibrations in liquids, adiaphragm, electro-magnetic driving means for vibrating said diaphragm,

and at least one stop for abruptly limiting the movements of saiddiaphragm in at least one direction.

17. In an electrical appliance according to claim 16, anelectro-magnetic driving means including a movable armature connected tosaid diaphragm and movable relative to the stop.

18. In an electrical appliance according to claim 16, anelectro-magnetic driving means including an iron core which forms thestop for the diaphragm,

19. In an electrical appliance for producing vibrations in liquids, adiaphragm in the form of a circular disc, a cup shaped casing, saiddiaphragm being attached to-the edge of the casing, an electro-magnetcomprising a core fastened to the casing, a coil arranged on the core,and an armature rigidly connected to said diaphragm, the distancebetween the armature and the magnet core being so dimensioned that themovement of the diaphragm and core on their attraction by theelectro-magnet is abruptly stopped by the core.

20. A portable electrical appliance for producing vibrations in liquidscomprising a diaphragm, a concavo-convex casing having its concave sidefacing the diaphragm, said diaphragm being attached at its periphery tothe edge of the casing, an electro-magnet comprising a core mounted onthe concave side of the casing at the center thereof, a coil arranged onthe core and an armature rigidly connected to the diaphragm andconfronting the core, the distance between the armature and core beingso dimensioned that the movement of the diaphragm on the attraction ofthe electro-magnet being abruptly limited by the core which defines astop.

21. The combination of claim 20, wherein means is attached to the centerof the convex side of the casing and extends laterally therefrom forholding the casing in a liquid bath;

22. In an electrical appliance for laundry purposes for producingvibrations in liquids, a vibratory body, electro-magnetic driving meansfor vibrating said body, and at least one stop for abruptly limiting themovements of said body in at least one direction, said electro-magneticdriving means including an iron core which forms the stop for said body.

KARL VOLK. EUGEN HOLZBAUR. ERNST KLEMM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,597,826 Reynolds Aug, 31, 19262,138,051 Williams Nov. 29, 1938 2,407,462 Whiteley Sept. 10, 19462,468,550 Fruth Apr. 26, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date691,392 France July 8, 1930 577,730 Germany June 3,1933

